Israeli strikes kill dozens in the Gaza Strip as new ceasefire talks begin
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dawoud Abu Alkas
CAIRO/GAZA – Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 70 people in the past day, Palestinian health officials said Saturday, as negotiators launched a new ceasefire to end the 15-month-old conflict.
At least 17 of the dead were killed when airstrikes hit two houses in Gaza City, the first of which destroyed the home of the Al-Ghoula family in the early hours, medics and residents said.
“Around 02:00 we were awakened by the sound of a loud explosion,” said Ahmed Ayyan, a neighbor, adding that there were 14 or 15 people in the house.
“Most of them are women and children, all of them are civilians, none of them fired missiles, or are from the opposition,” Ayyan told Reuters.
People rummaged through the rubble looking for survivors who were trapped under the rubble and health officials said there were several children among those who died. A few flames and trails of smoke still rise from burning furniture in the ruins hours after the attack.
There was no comment from the Israeli military on the incident.
Another strike on a house in Gaza City killed five people later on Saturday, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said, adding that at least ten others were feared trapped under the rubble.
The Israeli army said earlier that its forces continued their operation this week in the town of Beit Hanoun, north of the border, where they had been operating for three months, destroying a military base used by Hamas.
At least six other Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Jabalia north of and near the city of Deir Al-Balah, health officials said.
Saturday’s death brought the total to 70 since Friday, Palestinian health officials said.
RELEASED Ceasefire PUSH
A renewed campaign to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the return of Israeli hostages before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
Israeli mediators have been sent to continue talks in Doha led by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, and the administration of US President Joe Biden, who is helping negotiate the talks, urged Hamas on Friday to accept the agreement.
Hamas has said it is committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible, but it is unclear how close the two sides are.
The armed group released a video on Saturday showing Israeli hostage Liri Albag – who local media say is a soldier – urging Israel to do more to protect the hostages. He said their lives are in danger because of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Albag’s family said the video had “torn our hearts to pieces”.
“This is not the daughter and sister we know. Her mental distress is evident,” said the family’s statement, urging the Israeli government and world leaders not to miss the opportunity to bring back all the hostages who are still alive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in response to the video that Israel continued to work hard to bring the hostages home.
“Anyone who dares to harm our kidnappers will be held accountable for their actions,” he said.
Israel launched its attack on Gaza in response to an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, when soldiers attacked border communities from Gaza, killing about 1,200 people and abducting about 250 people, according to Israeli statistics.
Its military campaign, with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas, has displaced dozens of people, driven many from their homes, and killed 45,717 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
